LESLIE GRANTHAM has died at the age of 71 - how did the EastEnders actor die? The Camberwell-born star is probably most famous for playing iconic character Dirty Den in the London-based soap.

It has not been confirmed how the star died however, according to the Daily Mirror, neighbours revealed that he was battling "terminal lung cancer".

A painter, 60, who was working on the Twickenham house where he was staying, also told the newspaper: “I said to him, ‘You alright Les?’ He said: ‘I’m fine,’ but from the outside he looked bad.

“He was positive about it all but once you get cancer… He was saying he had it. He said he had it and it went but it came back. He didn’t have much on him."

Express.co.uk contacted a representative for the star, but they declined to comment at this time.

The sad news was confirmed in a statement from his representative today, which read: “We formally announce the loss of Leslie Grantham, who passed away at 10.20am on the morning of Friday June 15 2018.

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"There will be a private funeral which will be attended by close family and friends only."

Leslie was reported to have been in hospital earlier this week, with a representative for the actor telling Express.co.uk on Monday: “Leslie Grantham remains poorly and is being taken care of by medical staff."

The actor is best known for his role as "Dirty" Den Watts in the BBC soap EastEnders.

Leslie first played the role of the evil character between 1985 and 1989, before returning to Albert Square back in 2003.

The character made his final appearance in the long-running show 13 years ago, in 2005.

Leslie Grantham dead: The EastEnders actor, who played Dirty Den, has died (Image: GETTY)

Leslie Grantham dead: The actor has died at the age of 71 (Image: GETTY)

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"His ex-wife and sons have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time, and for there to be no approaches to them for information or comment.

"They will not be making any statements to the media. They also ask that no photographs be taken of them in their grief.

Dirty Den appeared in the first ever episode of EastEnders, and became known by millions as the adulterous Queen Vic landlord.

Leslie previously spoke out about the BBC soap, revealing he thought it had changed.

Speaking to the Press Association, he said: "With Den and Angie (played by Anita Dobson), one minute he'd make you laugh, the next he'd cut your legs off. There was humour. Everyone thought Den was a lovable rogue. He wasn't evil, he was just Jack the lad.

"When he came back a second time, he suddenly became this Machiavellian character. I'm not saying it was better when I was in it, but when you're doing four episodes a week, you can't keep up that level of consistency."

The actor leaves behind three children, which he shared with his ex-wife, actress Jane Laurie.

Leslie Grantham dead: The actor appeared in the first episode of EastEnders (Image: GETTY)

Leslie Grantham dead: The actor married Jane Laurie back in 1981 before they divorced in 2013 (Image: GETTY)

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